snipeguy
Andy Goldsworthy Wannabe
I do songwriting stuff on a 3340 TEAC. I tried doing some bounces to a cheap minidisc and back. The whole thing sounds pretty squished and tinny. Is this a waste of time or can it be improved?
J
Jack Real
New member
Hi
I've created a CD of things that I made with a 4-tracks back in 84-85 and it turned out fine. If the minidisc recorder is good, you will not lose quality.
/Jack Real.
I've created a CD of things that I made with a 4-tracks back in 84-85 and it turned out fine. If the minidisc recorder is good, you will not lose quality.
/Jack Real.
snipeguy
Andy Goldsworthy Wannabe
It's probably me then.
S
shookiejones
New member
What kind of minidisc are you using and how are you transferring back and forth - I am assuming your using RCA to 1/8" mini plug correct? I have done same thing as Jack Real was saying going from 4track to minidisc to CD and the sound has been great. You shouldn't get any so degradation in the transfer.
Can you adjust the line level on your minidisc? Obviously getting a strong signal going in will help you.
Can you adjust the line level on your minidisc? Obviously getting a strong signal going in will help you.
snipeguy
Andy Goldsworthy Wannabe
Low levels
I might have recorded the bounce a bit on the low side(-4db tops) and then re-recorded quite hot going back to tape. Its a Sharp unit. Yes it's mini in and out.
I might have recorded the bounce a bit on the low side(-4db tops) and then re-recorded quite hot going back to tape. Its a Sharp unit. Yes it's mini in and out.
S
shookiejones
New member
I used to have the sharp MD-15 and it was a great unit with an awesome line-level input (until it finally stopped recording).
Anyway, bump that line level up and get a nice hot signal going in to the minidisc. Make sure the volume(output) is up on the minidisc when going back to your four track This is all I can think of as far as you having an issue with a thin bounced down sound. hope that helps.
The minidisc is a great tool for musicians. A decent recorder with a nice mini stereo condeser mic can be a great songwriting sketchpad and for sampling as well.
Anyway, bump that line level up and get a nice hot signal going in to the minidisc. Make sure the volume(output) is up on the minidisc when going back to your four track This is all I can think of as far as you having an issue with a thin bounced down sound. hope that helps.
The minidisc is a great tool for musicians. A decent recorder with a nice mini stereo condeser mic can be a great songwriting sketchpad and for sampling as well.
snipeguy
Andy Goldsworthy Wannabe
Tried again
Thanks for the info. Last night I redid some bounces and kept all the levels as hot as I dared and I also didn't use any showbiz this time. The results were remarkably better which makes me think once again the problem was my tendency to use too much stuff (verb, compression, etc.) on my bounces. You're right the Sharp is a good machine for what it tries to be. Just have to get better at recording the beds.
Thanks for the info. Last night I redid some bounces and kept all the levels as hot as I dared and I also didn't use any showbiz this time. The results were remarkably better which makes me think once again the problem was my tendency to use too much stuff (verb, compression, etc.) on my bounces. You're right the Sharp is a good machine for what it tries to be. Just have to get better at recording the beds.
RideTheCrash
Member
I heard minidiscs (are we talking portable small ones, or the decks?) use compression or something? I had an awesome Sharp minidisc years ago, and the playback and recording died unfortunately, but it still works. Now I have this Sony one I don't really like (too finicky) but yeah...'cause I used to use my old minidisc to record tracks.
snipeguy
Andy Goldsworthy Wannabe
Sharp MiniDisc
If that's the case then I'm going to take better care of my unit.
If that's the case then I'm going to take better care of my unit.
A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
Most of those hand held walkman-style Minidisc recorders have Automatic Gain Control, (AGC), and that's probably the source of your "squished" sound. AGC is an automatic limiter, that limits the peaks and swells the quiet passages. A recorder with AGC is not appropriate for serious home recording purposes.
I have a few minidisc recorders and the sound is fabulous. They are the Sony MDS-JE510 and Sony MDS-JE320, both units have a manual/analog recording level knob. These are component-style decks, and not walkman-type.
You may want to search Ebay for Sony MDS-JE510 and MDS-JE-320. There's also the MDS-JE500 and MDSJE-520, related to the 510, that also have manual/analog style recording level.
Good luck.
I have a few minidisc recorders and the sound is fabulous. They are the Sony MDS-JE510 and Sony MDS-JE320, both units have a manual/analog recording level knob. These are component-style decks, and not walkman-type.
You may want to search Ebay for Sony MDS-JE510 and MDS-JE-320. There's also the MDS-JE500 and MDSJE-520, related to the 510, that also have manual/analog style recording level.
Good luck.
snipeguy
Andy Goldsworthy Wannabe
This makse sense
Thanks Reel . That makes sense as squished is a good way of describing the sound. I've got an old Pioneer stereo 1/4 track that I might try for bounces. Can't remember the model and my studio is not at home.( Ooops. does that disqualify me because my rig is down at my boat repair shop?) also I just scooped a black face ADAT.(still waiting to get it) I plan to do beds on the 3340 and bounce to the ADAT for overdubs and mixing. Has anyone tried this?
Thanks Reel . That makes sense as squished is a good way of describing the sound. I've got an old Pioneer stereo 1/4 track that I might try for bounces. Can't remember the model and my studio is not at home.( Ooops. does that disqualify me because my rig is down at my boat repair shop?) also I just scooped a black face ADAT.(still waiting to get it) I plan to do beds on the 3340 and bounce to the ADAT for overdubs and mixing. Has anyone tried this?